Polymeric compositions resistant to ultra-violet light from acrylyloxymethyl benzoates



United States Patent POLYMERIC COMYOSITHONS RESISTANT T0 ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT FRQM ACRYLYLOXY- METHYL BENZOATES Joseph Fertig and Martin Shouitchi, New York, N.Y., and Albert I. Goldberg, Berkeley Heights, N.J., assignors to National Starch and Chemical Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Filed Nov. 6, 1961, Ser. No; 150,197

Claims. (Cl. 260-47) This invention relates to polymeric compositions and to the process for their preparation, and more particularly to polymers and copolymers displaying unusual resistance to the degradative eifects'of ultra-violet radiation It is the prime object of this invention to provide polymeric compositions derived from monomeric materials whose presence imparts vastly improved light stability to the resulting polymers. An additional object of this invention involves the preparation of polymers which withstand the effects of ultra-violet light without the necessity of their being formulated with any extraneous ultra-violet light absorbers.

The incorporation of ultra-violet light absorbers in the synthetic plastics derived from high polymers is, of course a practice well known to those skilled in the art. Such ultra-violet absorbers are required since outdoor exposure to natural sunlight or continuous indoor exposure to fluorescent light tends to degrade most plastics and this photodegradation of plastics is, in turn, known to be caused by the ultra-violet portion of light. Such degradation is observable in a plastic as a result of a. change in color, such as a yellowing or dark ening, and/ or by a deterioration of its physical properties, such as its fiexural strength. In an attempt to overcome these deleterious effects of ultra-violet radiation, the addition of ultra-violet absorbers or stabilizers, such as the phenyl salicylates or the ortho-hydroxy benzophenones, has of late become of considerable commercial interest. In order to be effective, such materials should be able to absorb strongly in the ultra-violet range of from 300-400 millimicrons without undergoing any change in structure. In addition, they must possess many other properties such as low color, good compatibility, heat stability, low odor, low volatility, chemical stability and chemical inertness. Furthermore, a complete lack of toxicity as well as the total absence of a any migration from the formulated polymer are two important prerequisites of any ultra-violet stabilizers which are to be used in plastics or coatings which are to be employed as wrappers or containers for food products.

The phenyl ortho-hydroxy henzoate esters, such as phenyl salicylate, have many advantages as ultra-violet absor-bers. They are colorless, relatively inexpensive and moderately elfective, particularly in the range of about 350 millimicrons or higher. However, their compatibility varies depending upon the specific benzoate ester and the plastic with which they are used. Thus, they may be somewhat volatile, impart odor and, under certain conditions they may give rise to the problems of toxicity and migration.

In our copending application, Serial No. 150,154, filed November 6, 1961, and .assigned to the assignee of the present application, there is disclosed a novel class of vinyl type monomers comprising ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of phenyl ortho-hydroxy bouzoate esters. We have now discovered that a wide variety of polymers are copolymers which are derived from these novel monomers are found to be effectively sta-, 70

bilized against ultra-violet radiation without requiring the addition to said polymers of any extraneous ultraviolet light absorbers. The novel polymeric compositions of our invention are thus found to possess all of the many advantages, and particularly the improved light stability, which results from'the ultilization of extraneous ultra-violet light absorbers while managing to avoid all of the problems which are normally associated with their use. This improved light stability is imparted to these polymers as a result of the presence therein of the phenyl ortho-hydroxy benzoate moiety which is permanently bound into and inherently part of the resulting polymer molecules as a result of the incorporation therein of these ethylenically unsaturated phenyl orthohydroxy benzoate monomers.

The products of our invention may thus be said to comprise those homoand copolymers containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated phenyl or substituted phenyl salicylate derivative corresponding to the formula:

X 0 0 tag ll o Y Z Z OH OH wherein X represents an ethylenically unsaturated group selected from the class consisting of acrylyloxy, acrylyloxyalkyl, methacrylyloxy, and methacrylyloxyalkyl groups and Y and Z represents at least one member of the classconsisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, acyloxy, aralkyl, or halogen radicals.

As representative of the above described monomers containing the phenyl salicylate moiety, one may list phenyl 2-hydroiry-4-acr'ylyloxy benzoate; phenyl 2-hydroxy-5-acrylyloxy benzoate; phenyl 2-hydroxy-5-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate; phenyl 2-hydroxy-4-methacry1yloxy benzoate; phenyl Z-hydroxy-S-methacrylyloxy benzoate; and, phenyl Z-hydroxy-S-methacrylyloxymethyl benzoate. Thus it is to be seen that the monomers which are essential for the preparation of the polymeric compositions of our invention may be described as the acrylyloxy, methacrylyloxy, acrylyloxyalkyl and methacrylyloxyalkyl derivatives of phenyl salicylate. Each of the above listed monomeric derivatives may, in turn, contain a variety of other substituent groups including halogen, alkyl, aryl, acyloxy, and aralkyl groups wherein these latter groups may be substituted on either of the phenyl rings in the phenyl salicylate moiety. p

The cornonomers which may be utilized together with the above described ethylenically unsaturated phenyl salicylate derivatives for the preparation of the ultraviolet stable compositions of our invention can be any ethylenically unsaturated monomer such, for example, as styrene; methyl styrene; the -acrylic and methacrylic acid esters of aliphatic alcohols such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, hexyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, octyl, lauryl and stearyl alcohols; acrylic acid; methacrylic acid; acrylradiation, the copolymers of our invention should containat least 0.2%, by weight, of these ethylenically unsaturated phenyl salicylate derivatives. As for the maximum concentration, this will of course depend upon the particular comonomer as well as on the specific end use application ofthe resulting copolyrner. However; inmost cases a concentration of about*5.0%, by weight, will be fully adequate with optimumresults being obtained with a concentration in the range of about 2.0%.

As for the actual preparation of the homoand copolymers of ourinvention, there may be employed any I of the usual vinyl polymerization methods which are well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, they may be prepared by means of free radical initiated processes utilizing bulk, suspension, solution, or emulsion polymerization techniques; or, they may beiprepared by ionic catalysis or by means of stereospecific catalysts such as those of the type developed by Ziegler. I

In any event, the homoand copolymers of our invention, whether prepared by means of'bulk, suspension,

solution, or emulsion polymerization technique. or by other means, are all characterized by their improved sta-' bility to light. This improved stability is fully equivalent, and in many cases superior, to the results obtained when extraneous ultra-violet light absorbers are added to the can be used in any form wtihout encountering any of the problems which may arise when it is necessary to incorporate a solid stabilizer into a polymeric material. .This is especially important in those applications which require a dry product such as with molding powders where: in the.uniform incorporation'of an external stabilizer would require considerable heating and/r mechanical agitation. It is also. advantageous in latices or emulsions wherein the incorporation of dry powders can often be troublesome or economically unfeasible. This is particularly evident in the ca-se of polyvinylidene chloride or polyaorylonitrile latices where, with few exceptions, the polymers are. incompatible with additives. Synthetic rubber, and other latices where the resulting polymer is crosslinked, are furtherillustrations of systems in which it is difficult to; provide for the effective post-addition of ultra-violet stabilizers especially where '.the final product is used in the form of a latex.

There are several different techniques by which the homoand copolymers of our invention may be utilized. Thus,ywhere possible, they maybe directly fabricated.

into such; forms as co,atin'gs, films, sheeting and other" solid shapes which may then be further fabricated into various industrial and consumer products; ,Onthe other hand, ourproducts may also be physically blended with a wide variety of polymers and these blends may then be used as desired. Another approach involves the application or lamination of free films of our compositions to variouspolymeric substrates, these films, thereby serv-J ing to protect saidI substratesfrom the effects of ultravioletradiation. For example, films derived from copolymers of our phenylsalicylate monomers with acrylate or methacrylate esters may be applied over cellulosic plastics or over surface coatings such as spar varnishes so as to enhance their aging properties. Or, alternatively,

such copolymersmay, if compatible, be directly blended with the cellulosics or sparvarnishes and thereby impart the advantages of the compositions of our invention to these materials;

Illnstrative'of some widely used plastics which require the use of. ultra-violet stabilizers are polyesters, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polyvinylidene chloride. Polyesters, namely, the unsaturated polyesters having 'ethylenic unsaturation resulting from the presence of alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acids such asmaleic andv fumaric acid, are typically formulated with monomeric styreneor methyl methacrylate and, in' conjunction withfiber glass reinforcement, are employed in the preparation of corrugated andflat sheeting products. The latter are used as roofings, awnings, walk coverings,

glazing forwindows, skylights, etc. Another large volume outlet for'polyester resins is 4 r in the construction of plastic boats. Most of these applicationsrequire outdoor'exposure durability. However, unless they are stabilized, the polyester resins tend to yellow and physically deteriorate. In overcoming this poor stability on the part of the polyester resins, the practitioner need merely introduce one of the'above described phenyl salicylate monomers together with the styrene or methyl methacrylate monomer, the polymerization catalyst and the unsaturated poly,-

problems i v the undesirable properties of thesepolymers.

-cster. The resulting copolymerization reaction will thus result in the homogeneous, chemically bonded incorporation of the ultra-violet absorbing moiety. For optimum results in these polyester resin systems, the use of the methacrylyloxy and rnethacrylyloxyalkyl phenyl salicyl'ate derivatives is recommended. 7

Similarly, polystyrene has beenreoommended as a plastic for automobile reflector lights and indoor light diffusing louvers. However, polystyrene on exposure to either natural or fluorescent light tends to discolor and crack within a short period of time. By copolymerizing styrene, preferably with a metha-crylyloxy phenyl salicylate derivative, the resulting homogeneous copolymer is found to be remarkably resistant to both natural and fluorescent light.

Polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chl-oridecopolymer film formulations tend to discolor and become embrittled .When exposed to light for prolonged periods of time.

Here again, the homogeneous copolymers preparedby incorporating a mall amount of an acrylyloxy or acrylyloxyalkyl phenyl salicylate derivative tend to minimize These same improvements are also obtained when polyethylene co: polymers are prepared according to the'process of our invention. ()rdin-arily, polyethylene is very unstable to sunlight, becoming embrittled in a matter of months.

The'following examples will more clearly illustrate the embodiment of our invention. In these examples, all parts given are by weight unless otherwisenoted.

Example I This example illustrates the preparation of one of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its improved resistance to the degradative'efiects of ultraviolet rad fition. i p

An aqueous ylatex of a 90:8 :2 vinylidene-chloride: ethyl acrylatez phenyl Z-hydroxy-S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate erpolyme'r' was prepared by charging the following ingredients into, a reactor equipped with a reflux condenser aswell as with means for mechanical agitation.

Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate A Sodium bicapbonate Sodium bisulfite 41:: 0:2; Ammonium persulfate 0.25 Water we Under agitation, the above mixture wasthen refluxed at 3 355 C. for a period of 5 hours thereby resulting in alatex with a resin solids content of 50%, by weight, which had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.9, as measured in tetra-hydrofur-an at a temperature of 22 C.

This latex'was then used in the preparation of 1.5 mil (dry thickness) coatings which were cast upon sheets of white paper. Various samples of these coated sheets I were then exposed to the following lights sources: (A) At a distance of 6" to a 15 .Watt ultra-violet germicidal lamp havmga radiation range of 220-400 inillimicrons; (B) at a distance of 3" to four 20 watt fluorescent bulbs which were enclosed, together with the test sheets, within a sealed box; (C). to sunlight. As controls for these tests, similarly' coated sheets were exposed under the identical con-.

ditions; however the coatings of these control sheets were derived, in one case, from a 90: vinylidene chloridezethyl acrylate copolymer latex which had been polymerized in the presence of 2% of phenyl salicylate, as based upon the total weight of the monomers. The coatings of the second set of control sheets were derived from a 90: 10 vinylidene chloridezethyl acrylate copolyrner latex.

The eifect of the various light sources upon these resin films was determined, with respect to any color change which had occurred, by utilizing a Photovolt Reflectometer, Model No. 610; a device which records proportionately higher readings with the increased yellowing of the particular coatings being evaluated. The following table presents the results of these tests.

Refiectometer readings Coating resin Gerrnicidal Fluroescent Sunlight lamp lamp (12 hr. (24 hr. (120 hr. exposure) exposure) exposure) Terpolymer contg. the U-V stabilizing moiety 25 3 6 Control comprising vinylidene chloride: ethyl acrylate copolymer polymerized in the presence of phenyl salicylate 24 14 1G. 5

Control comprising vinylidene ehloridezethyl acrylate copoiyrner 40. 5 21. 5

Example 11 This example illustrates the preparation of one of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its improved resistance to the degradative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

' An aqueous latex of a 90:8:2 vinylidene chloridezethyl acryla-te:phenyl 2 hydroxy 4 acrylyloxy benzoat terpolymer was prepared using the same ingredients and by means of the same procedure used for the preparation of the terpolymer latex of Example I with the exception, in this instance, that phenyl 2-hydroxy-4-acrylyloxy benzoate was used as the ultra-violet absorbing monomer. The resulting latex had a resin solids content of 50%, by Weight, and an intrinsic viscosity of 0.8, when measured in tetra hydrofur-an at 22 C.

' Coatings derived from this latex were then tested as described in Example I and the results of these tests are presented in the following table.

Reflectometer readings Sunlight Coating resin Germicidal Fluorescent lamp lamp (1 hour (72 hour (48 hr. (12 hr. exposure) exposure) exp.) exp.)

Terpolymer contg. the UV stabilizing moiety l. 5 4. 5 2. 5 1 Control comprising a vinylidene chloride: ethyl acry-- late copolymer 25 10 9 5 The above results again clearly indicate the superior ultraviolet stability of our polymers as compared with comparable polymers which do not contain the ultra-violet absorbing moiety.

Example III This example illustrates the preparation of one of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its improved resistance to the degradative efiects of ultraviolet radiation.

An aqueous latex of a 7 4:24:2 vinylidene chloridezbutyl acrylatezphenyl 2-hydroxy-S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate terpolymer was prepared by charging the following ingradients into a reactor equipped with a reflux condenser and means for mechanical agitation.

. Parts Vinylidene chloride 74 Butyl aerylate 24 Phenyl 2-hydroxy-S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate 2 Sodium tridecyl ether 3 Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate 6 Ammonium persulfate 0.25 Sodium bisulfite 0.5 Water Under agitation, the above mixture was refluxed at 40-60 C. for a period of 3 hours thereby resulting in a latex with a resin solids content of 44%, by weight, which had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.4, as measured in tetrahydrofuran at 22 C.

This latex was then used in the preparation of 1.5 mil (dry thickness) coatings which were cast upon sheets of white paper. Samples of these coated sheets were then exposed for 24 hours to the ultra-violet germicidal lamp. The controls for this test comprised sheets which had been coated with a 74:26 vinylidene chloridezbutyl ac rylate copolymer latex. The effects of this exposure to an ultra-violet source were evaluated with a Photovolt Reflectometer and the following table presents the results of these tests.

REFLECTOMETER READINGS Germicidal lamp Coating resin: (24 hour exposure at 6") Terpolymer contg. the ultra-violet stabilizing moiety 17.5 Control comprising a vinylidene chlor'idezbutyl acrylate copolymer -n 37 The above results again clearly indicate the superior ultraviolet stability'of our polymers as compared with comparable polymers which do not contain the ultra-violet absorbing moiety.

' Example IV This example illustrates the preparation of one of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its improved resistance to the degradative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

An aqueous latex of a 69:29:2 vinyl chloridezoctyl acrylatezphenyl 2-hydroxy-S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate terpolymer was prepared by charging the following ingredients into a pressurized reactor.

Parts Vinyl chloride 69 Octyl acrylate 29 Phenyl 2-hydroxy-S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate 2 Octyl phenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol 7.5 Sodium lauryl sulfate 2 Ammonium persulfate 0.4 Water 168 The above mixture was then maintained at a temperature of 70 C. for a period of 8 hours resulting in a latex with a resin solids content of 39.5%, by weight, which had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.5, as measured in tetrahydrofuran at 22 C.

This latex was then used in the preparation of 1.5 mil (dry thickness) coatings which were cast upon sheets of White paper. Samples of these coated sheets were then exposed for 28 days to the ultra-violet germicidal lamp. The controls for this test comprised sheets which had been coated with a 70:30 vinyl chloridemctyl acrylate copolymer latex. The effects ofthis exposure to an ultraviolet source were evaluated with a Photovolt Reflectometer and the following presents the results of these tests.

I REFLECTOMETER READINGS Germicidal lamp Coating resin: (28 day exposure at 6") Terpolymer contg. the ultraviolet stabilizing moiety 13 .5

Control comprising vinylidene chloridezoctyl acrylate copolymer 27.5

The above results again clearly indicate the superior ultra-violet stability of our polymers as compared with comparable polymers which d'o'not contain the ultra-violet absorbing moiety. i a o Example V v Thisexample' illustrates the preparation of one. of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its improved resistance to the degradative elfect's of ultra:

violet radiation. 7

An aqueous latex of a 6822824 vinyl chloride:octyl acrylatezphenyl 2-hydroxy-S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate terpolymer was prepared using the same, ingredients and 3 novel homopolymers of our invention and also demon-' white paper. Samples of these coated sheets were then exposed for 28 days to the ultra-violet germicidal lamp. The controls for this test comprised sheets which had been coated with a 70:30 vinyl chloridezoctyl acrylate copolymer latex. The eflects of this exposure to an ultraviolet source were evaluated with a Photovolt Reflector-neter and the following table presents the results of these tests.

REFLECTOMETER READINGS j Germicidal lamp (28 Coating resin day exposure at 6") Terpolymer contg. the ultra-violet stabilizing moiety Control comprising a vinyl chloride:octyl acrylate copolymer 27.5

- The above results again clearly indicate the superior ultra-violet stability of our polymers as compared with comparable polymers which do not contain the ultraviolet absorbing moiety. a

Example VI v(This example illustrates the preparation of one of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its. improved resistance tothe degradative effects of ultraviolet'radiation;

An "ethyl acetate lacquer of a 97:2 ethyl latezphenyl 2-hydroxy-5 methacrylyloxymethyl' ben zo'ate copolymer was prepared 'by charging the following ingre'dients into a reactor equipped with a reflux condenser and means for mechanical agitation.

Parts Ethyl acrylate 97 Phenyl 2 'hydroxy 5 methacrylyloxymethyl ben- "f' -T'?" V:' 3 Ethyl acetate 300 B n qy per id 1 Under: agitation, the above mixture was then refluxed for 7. hours at a temperature or 78 C. thereby resultingin a lacquer having a resin solids contents of 24%, by weight and an intrinsic viscosity of 0.55. as measured-macaque a 22 C.

' following ingredients into a reactor equipped with a re-- mil (dry thickness) coatings which Were'cast upon glass plates. Samples of these coated plates were then exposed for 17 hours to the ultra-violet germicidal lamp. The controls for this test comprised glass plates which had been coated with an ethyl acrylate homopolymer lacquer. The effects of this exposure to an ultra-violetsource were evaluated by measuring the change in the intrinsic viscosity of the exposed polymer. The extent; of the change in the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer is in direct relationship to the degradation resulting from theeifects of its exposure to the ultra-violet light. The results of this test are presented in the following table.

The above results again clearly indicate the superior ultra-violet stability of our polymers ascompared with comparable polymers which do not contain the ultra.-

violet absorbing moiety. 7

. Example VII 7 7 This example illustrates the preparation of one of the strates its use asa protective coating for an ultra-violet sensitive polymer. Evidence of the prolonged stability of this homopolymer to ultra-violet radiation is also given. I

An ethyl acetate lacquer of polyphenyl Z-hydroxy-S- acrylyloxymethyl benzoate was prepared by charging the flux condenser and means for mechanical agitation.

Parts Phenyl 2 -hydroxy-5-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate 2O Ethyl acetate 80 Benzoyl peroxide a 0.2

Under agitation, the above mixture was then refluxed at 78 C. 'for a period of one hour, thereby resulting in a lacquer with a resin solids content of 20%, by Weight, Which had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.2, as'measured in acetone, at 22 C.

This lacquer was then used in the preparation of 0.3

mil (dry thickness) coatings which were cast upon sheets of White paper which had been previously coated with a 1.5 mil film or polyvinylidene chloride. Various .sam-.

ples of these sheets were thenexposed, at adistance of 6", t0 the 15 Watt ultra-violet germicidal lamp. The- 7 controls for this test consisted of comparable polyvinylidene chloride'coated sheets of white paper which did.

not have the additional coating of the homopolymer of our invention. The effects of this exposure to the ultraviolet source were evaluated with a Photovolt Reflectometer and the following table presents the results of these tests.

REFLECTOMETER READINGS 1 Germicidal lamp 1 hr..

7 exposure at 6") Ultra-violet stabilizing homopolymer of our invention coated over a polyvinylidene chloride coating 7 Unprotected control comprising the polyvinyl- I idene chloride coating 41 In order to illustrate the prolonged ultra-violet stability of this homopolymer, the above described lacquer was used to apply 0.3 mil '(dry'thickness)coatings upon sheets of white paper. Samples of these coated sheets were then exposed, for 24 hours, at a distance of 6" from the germicidal lamp. Upon being tested with a Photovolt Refiectometer, these homopolymer films gave no evidence of any color change.

Example VIII This example illustrates the preparation of one of the novel copolymers of our invention and also demonstrates its use as a protective coating for an ultra-violet sensitive polymer.

An ethyl acetate lacquer of a 74:26 phenyl 2-hydroxy- S-acrylyloxy benzoatezmethyl acrylate copolymer was prepared by charging the following ingredients into a reactor equipped with a reflux condenser and means for mechanical agitation.

Parts Methyl acrylate 26 Phenyl 2-hydroxy-5-acrylyloxy benzoate 9 Ethyl acetate 65 Benzoyl peroxide 0.1

Under agitation, the above mixture was then refluxed at 78 C. for a period of 6 hours, thereby resulting in a lacquer with a resin solids content of 34%, by weight, which had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3, as measured in acetone at 22 C.

This lacquer was then used in the preparation of 0.3 mil (dry thickness) coatings which were cast upon sheets of White paper which had been previously coated with a 1.5 mil film of polyvinylidene chloride. Various samples of these sheets were then exposed, at a distance of 6", to the 15 watt ultra-violet germicidal lamp. The controls for this test consisted of comparable polyvinylidene chloride coated sheets of White paper which did not have the additional coating of the homopolymer of our invention. The effects of this exposure to the ultra-violet source were evaluated with a Photovolt Refiectometer and the following table presents the results of these tests.

REFLECTOMETER READINGS The above results again clearly indicate the superior ultra-violet stability of our polymers as compared with comparable polymers which do not contain the ultraviolet absorbing moiety.

Summarizing, our invention is thus seen to provide a novel class of polymers which are characterized by their outstanding resistance to the normally degradative effects of ultra-violet light. Variations may be made in proportions, procedures and materials without departing from the scope of this invention defined by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A composition comprising a polymer of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, methyl styrene, the acrylic and methacrylic acid esters of aliphatic alcohols, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, ethylene and propylene together with at least one ethylenically unsaturated phenyl salicylate derivative selected from the group consisting of phenyl Z-hydroxy- S-acrylyloxymethyl benzoate and phenyl 2-hydroxy-5- methacrylyloxymethyl benzoate.

2. A copolymer, in accordance with claim 1, of vinylidene chloride, ethyl acrylate and phenyl 2-hydroxy-5- acrylyloxymethyl benzoate.

3. A copolymer, in accordance with claim 1, of vinylidene chloride, butyl acrylate and phenyl Z-hydroxy-S- acrylyloxyrnethyl benzoate.

4. A copolymcr, in accordance with claim 1, of vinylchloride, octyl acrylate and phenyl 2-hydroxy-5-acrylyloxyrnethyl benzoate.

5. A coploymer, in accordance with claim 1, of ethyl acrylate and phenyl 2-hydroxy-S-methacrylyloxyrnethyl benzoate.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,545,044 3/51 Reynolds et al. 260474 2,910,454 10/59 Clark et a1. 260473 2,938,883 5/60 Raich 26047 3,113,907 12/63 Tocker 26047 3,141,903 7/64 Fertig 26047 WILLIAM H. SHORT, Primary Examiner.

LOUISE P. QUAST, Examiner. 

1. A COMPOSITION COMPRISING A POLYMER OF AT LEAST ONE ETHYLENICALLY UNSATURATED MONOMER SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF STYRENE, METHYL STYRENE, THE ACRYLIC AND METHACRYLIC ACID ESTERS OF ALIPHATIC ALCOHOLS, ACRYLIC ACID, METHACRYLIC ACID, ACRYLAMIDE, ACRYLONITRILE, METHACRYLONITRILE, VINYLIDENE CHLORIDE, VINYL CHLORIDE, VINYL ACETATE, ETHYLENE AND PROPYLENE TOGETHER WITH AT LEAST ONE ETHYLENICALLY UNSATURATED PHENYL SALICYLATE DERIVATIVE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF PHENYL 2-HYDROXY5-ACRYLOXYMETHYL BENZOATE AND PHENYL 2-HYDROXY-5METHACRYLYLOXYMETHYL BENZOATE. 